What to expect
If you have been experiencing bladder or bowel problems for less than a year, then they may still clear up. But if, you have had symptoms for more than a year, it could mean that they are not going to improve any further. For more information on what you can do next, read about leakage for more than 12 months
Talk to your doctor or surgeon, it is important that you are honest with them about what your urinary and bowel symptoms are, so that they can offer you the best treatment for you.
What can I do?
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Is your incontinence making you reluctant to get on with your normal everyday activities?
Are you reluctant to pop out to the shops? Go on long car journeys? Or play a leisurely game of golf?
Then you need to find the right mix of continence products that will work for you.
For personalised help and advice try the Product Advisor
Video Listen to a man talking about the effect of bladder leakage on his social life and job [link]
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There are a wide range of products available to suit your needs, you are not limited to just using pads14
“I had three different products depending on what my day was going to be - was I going out, was I going to be mobile?”Below is a brief summary of the range of products available, follow the links for more detailed information on each product group and to find out where to purchase them in your country.
Pads
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You are probably familiar with pads, you may have been given some from the hospital and it is quite common to just continue to buy and use the same type.
Take a look at all the different types available, you may find a design that suits you better.
Here are some examples of pads that are recommended by men:
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Disposable pants If you have moderate to heavy leakage you could consider disposable pants, they may be too expensive to use every day but some men find them good for occasional use e.g. when going out6
Shaped pads For lighter leakage, consider disposable shaped pads (leafs) they are available in white or grey and are a discreet pad, worn with tight-fitting underwearProducts for bowel leakage
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If you have bowel leakage or find you have little warning and need to reach a toilet quickly, specialised pads are available, find out more about pads for bowel incontinence.
Other products that you may find helpful for bowel leakage are faecal collectors and anal plugs.
Boxer-style trunks are available for swimming, to protect against any bowel leakage whilst in the pool.
Sheaths
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SheathsSheaths are a popular product for many men and work well whether you lead an active lifestyle, are more sedentary or use a wheelchair. In the UK, sheaths are available on prescription from your GP. Find out more about sheaths
Video Listen to a man talking about his decision to try sheaths [Link]
Video Watch a video guide on how to measure and find the correct sized sheath [link]
Products for a short or retracted penis
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Having a shortened (retracted) penis can be a side effect of surgery. If you are experiencing this, there are specially designed products that could work for you. You may also find a urine director helpful to direct urine so you can pass urine (pee) standing up.
Body-worn urinals
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If you have tried sheaths and they haven’t worked for you or you would like to try a reusable device, body-worn urinals could be an option.
This group of products doesn't suit everyone but if you are will be mainly walking or carrying out activities in a standing position with limited toilet access 1, they are worth considering.
Clamps
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Active men, who want a product to prevent leakage for a short period (less than two hours at a time) when undertaking a strenuous activity (e.g. running, dancing, bending and lifting) could consider using clamps/penile compression devices
Portable urinal
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If you find that you need to go without much warning or first thing in the morning when standing up, it might be worth considering a 'bottle' or
male urinal.
Female urinals or urine directors are an alternative for men with a shortened penis which may be a result of surgery for prostate cancer.
Bed and chair protection
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If you are worried about wetting the bed or chair, you can purchase products designed to protect bedding and upholstery, disposable bedpads are an alternative option.
Other sources of help
Contact your Continence Advisor - If you are in the UK you can be assessed, get help and find product advice from a continence advisor (specialist nurse), either ask your GP for a referral or find your local clinic and refer yourself.
In the US for help on products and reimbursement you can find information on Continence Central
In Canada the Canadian Continence Foundation are a useful source of information
If you are in Australia you can contact the Continence Foundation of Australia
Surgery Support Pack. If you are in the UK and were not given one from your Urology nurse specialist before surgery, you can apply for one from Prostate Cancer UK. It contains useful information and product samples.
Useful things you can do
Download your own Urgent toilet card you can use this to ask for help in shops and restaurants to access the nearest toilet.
Alternatively, you can order a ready printed urgent toilet card
Video Listen to a man talking about the urgent toilet card [link]
Radar key – For a small charge this special key will give you access to disabled toilets in the UK which give additional privacy and hand washing facilities and also have disposal bins for continence products link.
In Europe the Euro Key is an alternative.
The Great British Toilet Map Is a great resource if you are out and about in an unfamiliar neighbourhood in the UK- find out in advance where the nearest public toilets are. Video Hear a man talking about being aware of toilet locations [link]
Australian public toilet map gives details of 16,000 publicly available toilets across Australia, including accessibility, opening hours and facilities, such as showers.
Local Prostate Cancer Support Groups These operate in local areas and communities and offer amazing support. They give you the opportunity to meet up with other men and share your experiences.
